STAT3 and cancer: In the TME, immune cells and stromal cells, such as TA-MSCs and CAFs, are considered to constitute the microenvironment of cancer stem cells, which regulate the fate of cancer stem cells by providing signals composed of cell-cell contact and the secretion of factors (growth factors and cytokines that promote CSC self-renewal) [53].Foe example, STAT3 is induced by IL-6 and other inflammatory factors [54].